Increased levels of which factor are associated with a higher risk of heart disease?

Increased levels of both blood pressure and serum cholesterol are risk factors for heart disease because they can lead to damage in the arteries and overall cardiovascular health. When blood pressure is elevated, it puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to conditions such as hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Similarly, high serum cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can lead to plaque formation in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which narrows and hardens the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Thus, the combination of high blood pressure and elevated serum cholesterol significantly raises the risk of developing heart disease, making it crucial to monitor and manage both factors for maintaining heart health.